Fern Forest, HI
Population 880 · Hawaii
About Fern Forest, HI
Fern Forest is a small community located in Hawaii with a population of 880 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,173 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fern Forest features a median home value of $173,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fern Forest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 523 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (415 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (64 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fern Forest shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 29.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fern Forest have an average one-way commute time of 49 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Fern Forest residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 7.2% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fern Forest Ranks in Hawaii
Cost of Living in Fern Forest, HI
Compared to national averages, Fern Forest has a median household income of $33,173 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,800, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Hawaii, Fern Forest's income is 65% below the state average of $94,535, and home values are 77% below the state median of $766,495.
Why Live in Fern Forest, HI?
Fern Forest offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,173) that falls below the national average. However, Fern Forest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fern Forest has a population of 880 with a median age of 53.6 years. Compare Fern Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Hawaii.
Similar Cities Near Fern Forest
Cities in Hawaii with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waiahole-Waikane | 879 | $80,556 | $0 | Compare |
| Royal Hawaiian Estates | 889 | $61,477 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Punaluu | 855 | $88,611 | $828,700 | Compare |
| Volcano Golf Course | 909 | $138,726 | $516,700 | Compare |
| Naalehu | 837 | $70,469 | $215,600 | Compare |
| Mauna Loa Estates | 931 | $41,509 | $291,600 | Compare |
| Hana | 793 | $52,304 | $610,200 | Compare |
| Eden Roc | 973 | $31,324 | $183,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Hawaii
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fern Forest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fern Forest
What is the population of Fern Forest, HI?
The population of Fern Forest, HI is 880 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Hawaii.
What is the median household income in Fern Forest?
The median household income in Fern Forest, HI is $33,173 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fern Forest?
The median home value in Fern Forest, HI is $173,800, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fern Forest?
The median monthly rent in Fern Forest, HI is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fern Forest?
The unemployment rate in Fern Forest, HI is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fern Forest, HI a good place to live?
Fern Forest offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 880 and a median age of 53.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fern Forest, HI?
18.8% of residents in Fern Forest aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fern Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fern Forest, HI: median home value is $173,800 (29% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $33,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fern Forest?
The poverty rate in Fern Forest, HI is 29.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fern Forest, HI?
Fern Forest's population is 7.2% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.